Small wind turbines in smart grids. Transformation of electrical machines in permanent magnet synchronous generators

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation and validation of a small wind turbine model. The document has studied the feasibility of using small electrical machines (e.g. automotive alternator, induction motors of domestic applications or electrical motors of some industrial application) as low cost generator for small wind turbine; their transformation in permanent magnet synchronous generator PMSG is not difficult. Claw pole automotive alternators can provide low cost alternative to permanent magnet generators for small wind turbine application. The analysis was performed using FEMM-2D simulation software, which is based on finite element method. Similarly a control system of a wind turbine has been proposed. Small wind power systems are very attractive to support the energy demand for rural areas or developing countries where the electrical microgrid infrastructure is limited. The objective is the integration of hybrid energy conversion systems (wind and hydro turbines) in microgrids and development of small standalone systems in rural environment. Autonomous systems in agricultural and livestock environments can also be considered.